Immigration lawyers provide legal advice and representation regarding immigration matters, such as intervening in deportations, helping individuals achieve U.S. citizenship, and applying for visas and green cards. Our Melbourne immigration attorneys are well-versed in these matters and more to help you navigate the complex process or answer any additional questions you may have.

Legal fees are highly variable due to the many factors that go into determining an individual client’s costs. In general, the cost of an immigration lawyer in Melbourne will depend on the extent of assistance required and which type of services you need. However, factors such as location and experience can also impact a law firm’s pricing. Due to the many variables that can impact the fees for an immigration lawyer, how much it costs truly comes down to a case-by-case basis.

To determine how much it will cost for an immigration attorney’s help in Melbourne, you should get quotes from attorneys in your area for the specific services that are required to resolve your issue. While it may be difficult, it is important that cost is not your primary deciding factor because there is too much on the line to sacrifice quality legal services for a bargain.

At Consumer Law Group, we strive to make high-quality legal representation affordable for anyone with fair pricing. We also offer free immigration legal consultations, which we can host virtually.

With a sensitive matter like those revolving around immigration, you want to find a lawyer that will be diligent about advocating for you. You also want to ensure they practice ethically and are going to keep your best interests front and center. However, that is easier said than done if you do not know what to look for.

When searching for an immigration attorney in Melbourne to represent you, you should consider several important factors, including:

• Their reputation: If an immigration lawyer has mostly poor reviews, they most likely have not met their clients’ expectations.
• Their experience: While years of experience is not everything, immigration lawyers who have been practicing longer will have in-depth knowledge of immigration processes and established legal strategies.
• Ability to communicate: Working with an immigration attorney requires a lot of back and forth, which is why it is important to find a lawyer who is consistent with communication, transparent, and is easy to talk to.

You want to avoid immigration firms that make promises that seem too good to be true or pursue your business aggressively, as they may not have your best interests at heart.

There are four general types of immigration statuses in the U.S. You are either categorized as a:

• U.S. citizen: Someone who was born in the United States or naturalizes.
• Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR): You have a green card, which means you are legally able to live and work in the U.S.
• Temporary visitor: You are temporarily able to live in the U.S. and have been granted a visa for a specific purpose and time period.
• Undocumented: If you do not fall into one of the above categories, you are considered undocumented and are not legally allowed to work or live in the U.S. Undocumented immigrants face the risk of deportation.

Our Melbourne immigration law attorneys are dedicated to helping you achieve Lawful Permanent Resident status without having to leave the U.S.

While citizenship is by no means a simple process, it can be broken down into several generalized steps, including:

1. Determine your eligibility for citizenship.
2. Prepare to apply for citizenship.
3. Apply for naturalization.
4. Complete any required background checks, interviews, and tests.
5. Take an oath of allegiance (if your application is accepted).

Depending on your personal circumstances, the path to citizenship may be fairly straightforward, or it may require thorough preparation. Either way, navigating immigration laws and procedures are rarely as simple as they appear on the surface. Having an immigration lawyer on your side will ensure the process is facilitated correctly and with as few barriers as possible.

If you have any other questions about the immigration process—like where you should live, whether you can work, or how to apply for a green card—our legal team is happy to help you understand how immigration laws apply to you and how to remain in compliance as you seek your visa or citizenship.